Olympique Lyonnais faces a must-win scenario against Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round second leg. After a narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg on Czech soil, Paulo Fonseca’s side must secure at least a two-goal margin to avoid extra time or an early exit. UEFA’s decision to appoint Szymon Marciniak underscores the high stakes of this encounter. At 45, the Polish referee brings unmatched experience, having officiated the 2022 FIFA World Cup final and numerous elite continental competitions.

Mixed memories for OL

Marciniak’s appointment will evoke contrasting emotions among Lyon supporters, as this marks his fifth officiating assignment involving the French club. While his most recent appearance in blue reminded fans of the painful 5-1 thrashing at Camp Nou in 2019, he also played a pivotal role in a dramatic 3-1 Europa League victory over Ajax Amsterdam in 2017 – a result that ultimately proved insufficient for progression. His other encounters with Lyon included narrow defeats to Juventus (0-1 in 2016) and Viktoria Plzeň (2-1 in 2014).